Lookman Stars for Atalanta as Chelsea Slip in Champions League Race
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman delivered another impressive performance for Atalanta as they beat Chelsea 2-1 on Tuesday night, a result that damaged the Blues’ hopes of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League group stage.
Lookman, who played for 87 minutes, pressed Chelsea from the flanks throughout the match and caused constant problems for their defenders. His energy, pace and clever movement were key to Atalanta’s strong display. The Nigerian forward showed exactly why the Italian side will miss him when he leaves later this month to represent Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Atalanta, who have lost only once at home this season, started the game on the front foot. They came close to scoring early when Lookman raced into the box, but Josh Acheampong produced a superb block to deny him a goal on his first Champions League start.
Chelsea took the lead in the 25th minute after Reece James sent in a sharp cross that Joao Pedro turned in. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR confirmed both players were onside and allowed it to stand.
The Blues could have doubled their lead just before half-time, but James missed a big chance. Atalanta punished them soon after the restart. Charles De Ketelaere delivered a fine cross that former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca headed home to make it 1-1.
The home side continued to dominate, with Lookman heavily involved in their attacking play. Their pressure paid off late in the match when De Ketelaere’s shot took a deflection off Marc Cucurella and slipped past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for the winning goal.
The result lifts Atalanta to third in the Champions League standings, while Chelsea drop out of the top eight and now sit 11th, two points off the automatic round-of-16 qualification spots. Late chances from Alejandro Garnacho, James and Joao Pedro were not enough to rescue a point for Maresca’s side
